Every day, millions of people with hearing loss are out driving on America’s roads.

They’re young and old. They’re mildly hearing impaired and fully deaf. And unless they’re operating a commercial vehicle that requires a CDL license, there’s no federal restriction preventing them from doing so.

Why?

Because it’s perfectly safe.

“There are many misconceptions around hearing loss and driving,” said Gretchen Dueñas-Tanbonliong, MS, MPH, RDN, Associate Director of Health and Wellness at NCOA. “Often, they’re rooted in bias, fear, ageism, or a combination. But the fact of the matter is this: people who are hearing impaired or deaf can drive just as well as anyone else.”

This is reassuring news—especially if you or someone you know is worried about hearing loss now or in the future. You don’t need to give up your license. You can maintain your independence. The key, Tanbonliong explained, is to pay extra attention to safe driving habits. “I also recommend using assistive technologies when it makes sense,” she said.

In this guide to driving with hearing loss, we’ll answer common questions and cover relevant laws and tips, including:

• How you can safely drive with hearing loss
• Restrictions on driving with hearing loss or when deaf
• How to get or renew your driver’s license
• Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) protections for hearing impaired drivers
• And more

Is it safe to drive with hearing loss?

Yes.

According to a systematic research review commissioned by the United States Department of Transportation, there’s no compelling evidence “to support the conclusion that deaf or hard of hearing drivers have an increased crash risk.”¹ Observational studies agree.¹

It helps that driving primarily is a visual task. Still, it’s important to acknowledge that many of us do rely on hearing to perform it safely—perhaps more so than we even realize.

“Those of us who were born with our hearing and learned to drive with it don’t really think about it all that much,” Tanbonliong said. “But we’re constantly listening as well as watching when we’re behind the wheel.”

A tooting horn, a dinging seat belt chime, a beeping backup camera, even a blaring emergency siren—all of these things alert us to situations we need to pay attention to. Being unable to hear them, especially when we once used to, could put us at a disadvantage. Fortunately, there are ways to adapt. (More on this further down).

Driving laws, restrictions, and protections for the hearing impaired

There are no federal laws that prevent you from driving with hearing loss.

There is one notable exception. If you drive a commercial vehicle and need a CDL endorsement on your license, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that you pass a hearing test. Commercial drivers who fail the test may be eligible to apply for an exemption. But these exemptions only are available for drivers whose routes cross state lines. (That’s because the FMCSA doesn’t have authority to regulate in-state driving laws).2

State laws for driving with hearing loss

If you drive a regular passenger car, some individual states may require you—or ask that you volunteer—to:

• Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of your hearing loss
• Take a hearing test
• Include a notation on your license (like “DHH” for “deaf or hard of hearing”)

Contact your state’s DMV to learn about any specific requirements where you live.

Can you drive if you’re deaf?

Yes. The same federal guidelines apply whether you’re fully deaf or live with partial hearing loss.

Depending on where you live, your state may have specific guidelines and requirements. Find contact information for your DMV here. If you use TTY and your state doesn’t maintain a dedicated number, call 711 to use the nationwide telecommunication relay service.

It’s important to know that driving when deaf is perfectly safe. According to interviews with board-certified audiologists (hearing specialists) and American Sign Language experts, deaf drivers—especially those who were born without hearing—demonstrate increased visual acuity (awareness) on the road.1 And there’s a scientific explanation for it.

When you’re deaf, your brain uses the space reserved for hearing and applies it to vision. This doesn’t mean you see better than other people. It does mean that you use your sense of vision differently and likely have sharper related skills. For example, these experts report that deaf drivers constantly scan their car mirrors and the road. As a result, they’re often more tuned into visual warning signs like flashing lights and lane-change signage.¹ They also may spot important clues to potential hazards more quickly—such as other cars making way for emergency vehicles or slowing down due to an accident.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

If you’re deaf or hearing impaired, the ADA offers broad protection against discrimination.³ This includes your ability to apply for a driver’s license and how you’re treated when doing so. The ADA also applies to any interactions you may have with police officers during a traffic stop.

Getting (or renewing) your driver’s license

While the ADA guarantees that you may apply for a driver’s license, it does not guarantee that you’ll get one.

You still will need to pass the same standard tests that every other driver must. Usually, this includes a written exam covering your state’s traffic laws and a practical test demonstrating your ability to safely operate a vehicle.

You do have the right to ask for accommodations when applying for or renewing your driver’s license, such as written instructions or a sign language interpreter.³

“That’s why it’s important to tell the DMV about your hearing loss up front,” Tanbonliong said. “When you do, the DMV is legally obligated to comply.”

Some states also allow you to add a special designation on your license. For example, in Oregon, you can voluntarily apply to include the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss on your license, vehicle registration, and DMV record. Such designations can alert law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and others that you are deaf or hard of hearing.

The process varies by state; be sure to ask whether this is an option when you get or renew your license.

Know your rights: interacting with law enforcement

Whether you have the option to add this designation or not, there are other practical strategies you can use to ease communications and protect yourself during a traffic stop.

These include:

• Keeping a visor card in your car: This printed tool can quickly and effectively alert police officers to your hearing status. If you’re pulled over, calmly point to the card first; then, remove it from your visor and show it to the officer.
• Remembering your ADA rights: Just as the DMV is, law enforcement officers are required to comply with the ADA. This means you have the right to ask for handwritten instructions, voice-to-text assistance, or other accommodations to support clear communication.

Tips for driving safely with hearing loss

There are several steps you can take to ensure your safety behind the wheel.

• Get your hearing tested: Work with an audiologist to measure your hearing loss, discuss options for prescription or over the counter hearing aids, and track how well your hearing aids fit and work for you.
• Get your vision tested: Because driving is mostly a visual task—and because people with hearing loss rely more heavily on vision when driving—it’s especially important to stay on top of your eye health.
• Minimize noise: When possible, keep your windows rolled up, your radio turned off, and conversations with passengers brief. This improves your chances of hearing things you need to hear, like sirens or GPS cues.

Assistive devices

In addition to the strategies listed above, advances in technology can more easily help you adapt to driving with hearing loss.

Hearing aids

Some of the best hearing aids include Bluetooth technology, which seamlessly connects to your GPS system and phone. This helps you keep your eyes on the road while maintaining the ability to navigate and have conversations. Check our hearing aid buyers guide for helpful tips on types, features, and how and where to shop.

If your hearing loss no longer responds well to hearing aids, cochlear implants may be an option. Depending on the procedure and device, these implants also may include Bluetooth capabilities.

Vehicle technology

Today’s advanced safety features benefit all drivers. These include things like automatic braking, lane departure correction, backup cameras, and blind spot monitoring.

Some manufactures have begun offering additional options specifically intended to aid drivers with hearing loss. For example, vibrating alert systems attached to the steering wheel or driver’s seat provide tactile warning when their sensors pick up noise from sirens, car horns, train whistles, and other urgent sounds. Visual alert systems on the dashboard can indicate many of the same things.

If you own an older car and aren’t ready to buy a new one, you might consider some simple after-market additions like wide-angle mirrors to improve your field of vision.

Is it time to re-evaluate your driving?

Always, advised Tanbonliong.

“No matter our age, our hearing ability, our mobility, or anything else, it makes good sense to check in with ourselves regarding our skills on the road,” she said.

“Of course,” she continued, “it’s not always easy to be objective about our own driving. Most of us are pretty confident we’re good and safe drivers!”

Here are some signs to pay attention to:

• A trusted person has approached you to talk about hearing loss
• You’ve noticed hearing loss yourself and wonder whether it affects your driving
• You’ve experienced vision changes regardless of your hearing status
• You’ve started a new medication that makes you feel dizzy or drowsy
• You don’t react to other drivers or conditions as quickly as you used to

“None of these things necessarily means you have to give up your license or your keys,” Tanbonliong emphasized. “If nothing else, they point to the benefits of talking to your doctor and maybe even enrolling in a driving refresher course.”

Your local senior center may host such classes or can advise you on where to find one.

FAQ

Can I drive vehicles other than a car if I’m hearing impaired?
Yes, with one exception. Unless you plan to drive a commercial vehicle that requires a CDL endorsement, there are no federal restrictions on getting your driver’s license. Some states have specific requirements for driving with hearing loss; your local DMV can advise you. Of course, it makes sense to learn about and follow safe driving practices no matter what.

Will they test my hearing when it’s time to renew my license?
Generally speaking, no. Most states do not require a hearing test in order to renew your driver’s license. Still, policies can change and it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time (contact your state DMV office for info). Some states do require you to notify them voluntarily about any hearing loss.

Do hearing aids help when driving?
Absolutely. If your hearing loss responds well to hearing aids, then you’ll benefit from the advantages. Standard hearing aids improve your ability to hear sirens, car horns, and other important sounds. Optional upgrades like Bluetooth connectivity can help you maintain visual focus while benefitting from navigational cues.

Sources

1. Allyson Barlow et al. Investigating the Safety and Training of Commercial Motor Vehicle Operation by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Drivers. Nov. 1, 2024. Found on the internet at https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/78523

2. United States Department of Transportation. FMCSA. Driver Exemptions. Feb. 23, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/medical/driver-medical-requirements/driver-exemption-programs

3. Harding Mazzotti LLP. Driving With Hearing Loss. Found on the internet at https://www.1800law1010.com/driving-with-hearing-loss/